The EFF in the Free State has opened a case of alleged fraud and corruption against the Free State premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, and the Head of the Department of Human Settlements.

Maphaule Liphoko, the EFF provincial chairperson, said Dukwana made appointments in March 2023 – after being appointed as premier – that alarmed the EFF. He said it indicated gross interference by Dukwana in the operation and functions of the department. 

“Let it be noted – the following legal matters have been deliberately flouted by the Department of Human Settlements:

I. Some of the deviations and procurements by other means are not provided in the Supply Chain Management policy as required by PFMA instructions note no 3 of 2021/22 paragraph 4.3 and 4.4 (c)

ii. Some of the goods and services of a transaction valued above R500 000 were procured without inviting competitive bids and deviations were approved by the accounting officer just like the appointment of the Sandton Service provider. This is a requirement by PFMA 16A6.4.3.3.1 of National Treasury Instruction 02 of 2021/22 and Treasury regulations 16A6.4.”

Residents gathered at the Metsimaholo Local Municipality before a council sitting. Photo: Lucky Nkuyane

Liphoko said it is alleged that the department approved tenders without following due processes. He said as the EFF they are not shocked by these revelations. 

“The Premier has been very adamant that the HOD must not be removed as the HOD even after he was advised otherwise by the current MEC of Human Settlements, Toto Makume. We want to commend the bravery of the concerned public servants who are whistle-blowers as they have been picketing against corruption in the department for weeks on end.

“The ANC-led government has shown that the lives of whistle-blowers are not a priority to them and ended up victimising them. The EFF will not rest until whistle-blowers are protected and the corrupt government officials and their principals are behind bars.

“This happens, notwithstanding our motion of no-confidence against him, for once again treating prescripts that govern supply chain management policy as required by the PFMA.”

OFM News previously reported that the red berets recently tabled a motion of no confidence against Dukwana at the Free State Legislature. 

The motion was later confirmed by the office of the speaker Zanele Sifuba.
Legislature confirms motion of no confidence against Dukwana

Dukwana is the first premier to face a motion of no confidence in the Legislature since former Premier Ace Magashule in 2018. The Office of the Premier and the Free State Legislature is yet to comment. 

Residents gathered at the Metsimaholo Local Municipality before a council sitting. Photo: Lucky Nkuyane

The Free State Chairperson of the ANC Provincial Executive Committee, Dukwana, was duly elected as the new premier by Members of the Provincial Legislature on Friday (24/2). He was elected after he received 17 votes from 24 which were cast via a secret ballot. He defeated opposition party leader Roy Jankielsohn, who received seven votes.

A total of 27 of the 30 members of the Provincial Legislature voted whilst three EFF members abstained. Two members – including the MEC for Transport William Bulwane and an EFF member – were not present in the House.

Dukwana’s election as the premier comes after ousted premier Sisi Ntombela resigned on Tuesday (21/2) after the ANC PEC, led by Dukwana, redeployed her.

OFM News